This study explores development of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) as it aspires to become a leading international education hub, set against the backdrop of established hubs in Malaysia, Qatar and the San Francisco Bay Area. Through a comparative analysis grounded in an adapted George Keller framework, the research investigates the internal and external dynamics influencing the internationalization strategies of these regions. The findings highlight the critical role of leveraging unique regional identities, navigating global trends alongside local adaptations and prioritizing collaboration over competition. Interviews with experts within the GBA provide formative insights into the necessary steps for advancing its internationalization, including the need for a unified regional strategy, addressing systemic and policy barriers and fostering a unique cultural identity. The study contributes to both theoretical and policy discourses on higher education internationalization by offering a comprehensive framework for understanding and analysing strategic development in emerging education hubs. It underscores the importance of adaptive strategies that are responsive to global educational trends, rooted in local strengths and geared towards fostering collaborative, innovative ecosystems. The GBA's journey towards internationalization exemplifies the challenges and opportunities faced by new entrants in the global education arena, providing valuable lessons for other regions with similar aspirations.
This study explores Hong Kong university students' concerns when making employment decisions after graduation and their attitudes towards working in mainland China, especially in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Two research questions were identified: What are Hong Kong students' attitudes towards working in the GBA? What factors influence Hong Kong students' employment choices? A qualitative research approach was adopted with semi-structured interviews with 38 final-year students from eight Hong Kong universities. Based on thematic analysis, the findings showed that Hong Kong university students' willingness to work in the GBA was mainly influenced by their previous connections with the destination and potential career development opportunities. However, Shenzhen was the only city out of nine in the GBA they considered for employment. University students were aware of the economic rationale for their employment preparation, but, more importantly, they placed a high value on professional development opportunities and work–life balance. They also valued opportunities for internationalisation and emphasised the importance of the work culture and environment in choosing employment. The findings have policy implications for graduate employment and the intra-mobility of talented young people across GBA cities in China.
RETRACTION: A. Y. C. Te and Y. Qin, ‘Transborder habitus transformation: In-country mobility of Hong Kong students in the Chinese Mainland universities’, Higher Education Quarterly (Early View): e12530. https://doi.org/10.1111/hequ.12530.